Residents of Harrow gathered at Tesco in the town centre today to voice their opposition to the proposed ‘Tesco Towers’ development.
The demonstration, which took place at the entrance of Tesco Harrow on Station Road, drew attention to the residents’ concerns regarding the project’s impact on the local community.
One of the attendees posted via Facebook: “Great day for the campaign today.
We handed our petition to the on duty manager at Tesco Station Road Harrow.
“It was a great turnout. Thank you to those who attended!”
The online petition titled “Residents Say No to Tesco Towers and Notting Hill Genesis Development in Harrow” encapsulates the objections raised by the community and has been signed by over 2,000 people.
At the core of their opposition is the belief that the high-rise development, named Greenmead Place, is excessively imposing and would dominate the surrounding predominantly two-storey houses and low-rise flats.
‘Tesco Towers’ protest in #Harrow today. Details shortly via our website pic.twitter.com/G9ebGgnxV4
— Harrow Online (@harrowonline) June 10, 2023
Critics argue that the proposed design of the development pays little heed to the existing community, raising concerns about the lack of infrastructure improvements.
In January, an NHG spokesperson told MyLondon: “We’re really proud of the designs we have for the new homes, public realm and replacement Tesco superstore.
“The site sits within the Harrow and Wealdstone Opportunity Area, which has been designated as an appropriate place to provide new homes.
“With fantastic transport links to the rest of London this development will provide more of the quality, affordable homes so needed in this part of the capital.”
However the petition highlights the absence of additional healthcare facilities, such as GP surgeries and capacity expansions at Northwick Park Hospital. Furthermore, it points out the dearth of enhancements to public transport links, roads, water supply, and sewage disposal.
One of the key concerns expressed by the residents is the potential escalation of congestion and pollution resulting from the high-density housing project, particularly on one of the busiest roads in Harrow.
The petition emphasises that this influx of housing they claim would add 155 cars to the road, which also happens to be in close proximity to two schools.
Moreover, the proposed reduction in the size of the Tesco store by 20% and a corresponding 33% decrease in parking spaces have raised further objections.
Local residents express apprehension about increased traffic congestion due to fewer parking opportunities and are concerned about potential job losses resulting from the downsized store.
Criticism is also directed at the affordability of the new accommodation offered by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), the development’s co-partner.
While NHG claims that 35% of the new housing would be classified as ‘affordable,’ the petition points out that this includes shared ownership schemes, which are often deemed unaffordable for many residents in Harrow given the prevailing prices.
The protestors claimed that the ‘Tesco Towers’ development does not serve the best interests of the community.
